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ANZ's Trusted Disaster Recovery Network

Disaster Types & Emergency Response

Comprehensive disaster recovery for all types of natural disasters in Australia. Cyclones, bushfires, floods, storms, and more.

Natural Disaster Recovery and Restoration

Comprehensive recovery services for all Australian disaster types. Our network of certified restoration professionals provides comprehensive natural disaster recovery services across Australia, from emergency stabilisation through to full property restoration.

Natural Disaster events can cause devastating damage to homes and businesses, often requiring specialist equipment, training, and expertise that goes beyond standard building repair. Our contractors are IICRC-certified and experienced in the specific restoration protocols required after natural disaster events.

We respond 24/7, work with all major Australian insurers, and direct-bill for covered events — meaning you pay only your policy excess. Our teams deploy Australia-wide, including to regional and remote areas affected by natural disaster events.

Assessing Natural Disaster Damage

After a natural disaster event, thorough damage assessment is critical. Our technicians use professional equipment to identify all damage — including hidden issues that can cause long-term problems if left unaddressed:

  • Structural assessment — Checking foundations, load-bearing walls, roof structures, and framing for compromise or instability.
  • Moisture mapping — Using thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify water penetration in walls, floors, and cavities that is not visible on the surface.
  • Contamination testing — Assessing for hazardous materials, contaminated water, or biological hazards that require specialist remediation protocols.
  • Electrical and mechanical — Evaluating electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical infrastructure for damage or safety risks.
  • Contents assessment — Documenting damage to personal property and contents for insurance claim purposes and restoration or replacement decisions.

This comprehensive assessment forms the basis of the restoration scope of works and insurance claim documentation.

The Natural Disaster Recovery Process

Our natural disaster recovery process follows a structured approach designed to restore your property efficiently while meeting all Australian Standards and insurer requirements:

  1. Emergency response and stabilisation — Securing the property, preventing further damage, and ensuring safety. This may include board-up, tarping, water extraction, or debris removal.
  2. Detailed assessment and scope — Comprehensive damage documentation, insurance notification, and development of a restoration plan with timeline and costings.
  3. Hazard management — Removal or containment of any hazardous materials, contamination, or safety risks before restoration begins.
  4. Restoration and reconstruction — Professional restoration of all affected areas to pre-loss condition, using appropriate materials, methods, and equipment.
  5. Quality verification and handover — Final inspection, air quality testing, moisture verification, and documentation before handing back the property.

Prevention and Future Protection

While natural disaster events cannot always be prevented, there are steps property owners can take to reduce risk and improve resilience:

  • Review your insurance cover — Ensure your policy covers natural disaster events and that your sum insured reflects current rebuilding costs. Many Australians are underinsured.
  • Maintain your property — Regular maintenance of roofing, gutters, drainage, and structural elements reduces vulnerability to disaster damage.
  • Create an emergency plan — Know your evacuation routes, keep important documents in a fire-safe location, and have an emergency kit prepared.
  • Consider mitigation upgrades — Depending on your location and risk profile, upgrades such as cyclone-rated roofing, flood barriers, or fire-resistant landscaping can significantly reduce damage potential.
  • Know your local risks — Understanding the specific natural disaster risks for your area helps you prepare and respond appropriately when events occur.

Natural Disaster Recovery FAQ

How quickly can you respond after a natural disaster event?

We deploy emergency teams within 60 minutes to metropolitan areas and as quickly as possible to regional and remote locations. For major natural disaster events affecting wide areas, we coordinate multiple teams from across our national network.

Will my insurance cover natural disaster damage?

Most comprehensive home and commercial insurance policies cover natural disasterdamage, though specific coverage depends on your policy type and inclusions. We can review your policy and advise on coverage during the initial assessment.

How long does natural disaster restoration take?

Restoration timelines vary based on damage severity. Minor damage may be restored in 1–2 weeks, moderate damage in 2–6 weeks, and severe damage may require several months of reconstruction. We provide a detailed timeline during the assessment phase.

Is it safe to stay in my property after natural disaster damage?

This depends on the extent of damage. Our technicians perform a safety assessment as part of the emergency response and will advise you on whether temporary relocation is necessary. Safety is always the first priority.

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Comprehensive disaster recovery for all types of natural disasters in Australia. Cyclones, bushfires, floods, storms, and more.

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